002.
Chemicals in sportswear.
INSPIRATION
A SELECTION OF ALL THINGS THAT INSPIRE US
One of the more prevalent issues in the sportswear industry is the use of chemicals. As the demand for higher performance increases from the consumer side, companies have been developing new ways to achieve specific properties in sportswear products. Usually, when you see waterproof, windproof, moisture-wicking, or wrinkle-free, the products have been treated with chemicals. This presents a fascinating conundrum: sports are supposed to make us healthy, so why are we using potentially harmful chemicals in them?
02.performance products
03.more chemicals
A distinction must be made between harmful and non-harmful chemicals. When we think of chemicals, we often associate them with chemical spills or other negative connotations. What we forget is that everything is literally made of chemicals, and we need them to survive. Water (H₂O) is a chemical; so is salt (NaCl) and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). Millions of chemicals exist in nature, each serving a purpose, and this number increases as scientific research and technology advance. Many chemicals are essential for life, but there are also many man-made (synthetic) chemicals that can harm both us and the environment.
Some of the more infamous harmful chemicals found in sportswear are PFAS and BPA. They provide properties that may benefit your training, but exposure to them has been linked to various health issues. How much these chemicals actually seep into your body through clothing is still unclear, but we often compare it to swimming near a shark. Sure, it might not attack you, but would you rather just not swim there?
04.a dystopian world
So, how can you tell if these chemicals are in your sportswear or clothing? While you can never be completely sure—due to cross-contamination in supply chains, for example—there are ways to minimize the risk. First, check if companies disclose anything about their production processes, dyes, and finishes. If nothing is stated, that's usually not a good sign, as manufacturers often opt for the cheapest options when brands don’t demand specifics. Second, look for certifications or practices brands follow. These include Bluesign, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or the ZDHC MRSL (yes, that’s a mouthful). These certifications show that supply chains aim to avoid certain harmful chemicals. While they’re not a perfect solution, as research into new chemicals and their impacts is ongoing, they are still a solid start.